
Naval Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs leads a group of colorful personalities in investigating crimes -- ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism -- that have evidence connected to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. The team includes MIT graduate Timothy McGee, Ellie Bishop, who specializes in international threat assessment, charismatic and unpredictable Nick Torres, and forensic psychologist Jack Sloane. Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard brings his vast experience in forensics into play to help solve cases.
Gibbs' quiet vacation at his remote cabin is interrupted by a call from NCIS asking for his help to locate a robber hiding in the woods near him.
After a 50-year-old tape recording left by a murder victim is found, the team tries to exonerate the Marine serving a life sentence for the crime.
Gibbs clashes with Dr. Samantha Ryan (Jamie Lee Curtis) of the PsyOps Division when a Navy reservist is found dead from a suspected suicide; DiNozzo sees McGee's paycheck.
Security at a Naval research laboratory is in jeopardy after a petty officer's murder links to an arms dealer; probationer Ned Dorneget sucks up to Gibbs.